Ingle shoots Trinity to top

Murphy's marvels reign at Headquarters

Niall Scully & Diarmuid Geraghty

There was a real star feel to the Sciath Mhic Phiarais Cumann na mBunscol hurling final at Croke Park yesterday.

Declan Lally, Dublin senior All-Ireland winner, patrolled the line for the boys from Mary Mother of Hope, Littlepace while Ryan Murphy, son of Dubs legend Vinnie, who also won a Cumann na mBunscol title 30 years ago, played a big part in the victory for Holy Trinity, Donaghmede.

It was corner forward Alex Ingle who stole the show for the winners, however, with two brilliantly taken goals which gave his team a six-point advantage entering the final stretch.

But the men from Littlepace showed big heart to continue the fight. Conor O'Shea fired a goal to set up a tense finish but Trinity's defence stood firm to hold out for the win.

It was a famous day for Scoil Mhuire, Bayside. First up were the girls, who tasted victory over Divine Word, Marley Grange in the Corn Olly Quinlan thanks to goals from Hannah McElvanney and Shauna Murphy.

Applause

The nimble balance and accuracy of James Mulcahy also earned the applause in the Corn Mhic Phiarais. The maestro Mulcahy helped the brilliant Bayside boys to victory in a memorable duel against a Portmarnock school who have a rich Croke Park history.

St Helen's, Portmarnock had a brilliant win over Scoil Assaim, Raheny to capture the Corn Johnston Mooney and O'Brien. Chris O'Sullivan and Sean Hawkshaw and Gavin Nangle, grandson of the great Ollie Freaney, were the stars while Seán O'Flynn hit a superb 2-2 for Raheny.

The girls of St Helen's were unable to follow the lead of the boys, however, despite the skilful performances of Ciara Holland, Aoife Whyte and Sarah Bradley in the Corn Haughey.

Unfortunately for Helen's, they came up against arguably the player of the day in the shape of Niamh Ní Chiardha, who hit 1-8 to bring home the silverware for Scoil Naithí, Dundrum.

The men from Divine Word, Marlay Grange proved too strong for Francis Street CBS in the Corn Uí Neill. Cathal Kissane hit 4-1 and was ably assisted by Adam La Grue, Adam Nealon and Chris Garvin. Cian Mooney drove Francis Street on until the death with 1-6.

They turned up the volume at the Harmonstown Hop last night. Home were the heroes from HQ with their glittering prize, the Aghais chalice.

Seán Mac Muiri hit a stunning six goals as Scoil Neasáin overcame Our Lady's Grove, who have a superstar in Cathal O'Dwyer, who scored all their 2-9, including four delicious sidelines.

There was no lack of musical talent at the celebration party. Fiachra Potts is the son of musician and author, Seán, while Manus ó Glacain's Dad, Kevin, is also a noted musician. Odhrán ó Súilleabháin-Lowry's grandfather, Daniel O'Sullivan, played football with Dublin and Kerry.

Luke Hughes proved an inspirational captain as Malahide's Scoil Oliver Plunkett collected gold in the Sciath Johnston, Mooney and O'Brien final against Scoil Mobhi of Glasnevin.

The camogie girls of Loreto, Crumlin and Balgaddy's Archbishop Ryan added much. A blistering start was a significant factor as Loreto bagged three quick goals. Katie Whyte, Sarah Whyte and Cody Kavanagh were on target. Aoife Brophy and Jessica McClelland excelled for the Balgaddy Belles.